State targets 54th & Lyndale as contaminated area

A former dry cleaning site at 54th & Lyndale is under scrutiny by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The agency is investigating a release of perchloroethylene (perc), which has contaminated groundwater and soil vapor. The source of the perc is a dry cleaner that operated from the mid-1950s until the late 1990s at 5412 Lyndale Ave. S., formerly the Borton Overseas building. Today the site is part of the Walgreens parking lot.

The MPCA would like to add the site to its “Superfund Permanent List of Priorities,” a list of sites that could pose risks to human health and the environment. Placement on the list makes funding available for investigation and cleanup.

The contaminated area is still under investigation, but it covers much of the block between 54th, 55th, Lyndale and Aldrich, along with the northeast corner of Lyndale & 55th.

An MPCA soil vapor investigation in 2013 and 2014 revealed the possibility of vapor intrusion at several nearby homes and businesses. The Borton Overseas building installed a mitigation system in 2014, upon finding that vapors exceeded 100 times the industrial indoor air standard. Midas at 5445 Lyndale Ave. S. also installed a mitigation system. Five homes are in the process of receiving mitigation, with at least four more in need of mitigation, according to the MPCA.

Long-term inhalation of perc can impair cognitive performance and hurt the kidneys, liver and immune system, according to the MPCA.

The Kenny Neighborhood Association has scheduled a public meeting on Tuesday, June 7 for MPCA staff to provide more information. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at City Church, 1501 W. 54th St.